300 THE DECLINE AND FALL appear of an uncommon size, are contemplated with curious attention ; a pair of scales is accurately applied to ascertain their real weight ; and^ while the more rational guests are dis- gusted by the vain and tedious repetition, notaries are sum- moned to attest by an authentic record the truth of such a marvellous event. Another method of introduction into the houses and society of the great is derived from the profession of gaming, or, as it is more politely styled, of play. The con- federates are united by a strict and indissoluble bond of friend- ship, or rather of conspiracy ; a superior degree of skill in the Tesscrarian art (which may be interpreted the game of dice and tables^") is a sure road to wealth and reputation. A master of that sublime science, who in a supper or assembly is placed below a magistrate, displays in his countenance the surprise and indignation which Cato might be supposed to feel when he was refused the praetorship by the votes of a capricious people. The acquisition of knowledge seldom engages the curiosity of the nobles, who abhor the fatigue and disdain the advantages of study ; and the only books which they peruse are the satires of Juvenal, and the verbose and fabulous histories of Marius Maxi- mus.'*^ The libraries which they have inherited from their fathers are secluded, like dreary sepulchres, from the light of day."*'-' But the costly instruments of the theatre, flutes, and enormous lyres, and hydraulic organs, are constructed for their villas, as a profitable article of rural economy (Varro, de Re Rustica, iii. 15). The excessive demand of them for luxurious tables was increased by the foolish prohibitions of the Censors ; and it is reported that they are still esteemed in modern Rome, and are frequently sent as presents by the Colonna princes. (See Brotier, the last editor of Pliny, tom. ii. p. 458, apud Barbou, 1779.) •*" This game, which might be translated by the more familiar names oi trictrac or backgaynmon, was a favourite amusement of the gravest Romans ; and old Mucins Scsevola, the lawyer, had the reputation of a very skilful player. It was called ludus duodecitn scriptorum, from the twelve scripta, or lines, which equally divided the alveolus, or table. On these the two armies, the white and the black, each consisting of fifteen men, or calculi, were regularly placed, and alternately moved, according to the laws of the game, and the chances of the tesserce, or dice. Dr. Hyde, who diligently traces the history and varieties of the nerdiludiunt (a name of Persic etymology) from Ireland to Japan, pours forth, on this trifling subject, a copious torrent of classic and Oriental learning. See Syntagma Dis- sertat. tom. ii. p. 217-405. ■*** Marius Maximus, homo omnium verbosissimus, qui et mythistoricis se volu- minibus implicavit. Vopiscus, in Hist. August, p. 242 [xxix. i, 2]. He wrote the lives of the emperors from Trajan to Alexander Severus. See Gerard Vossius de Historicis Latin. 1. ii. c. 3, in his works, vol. iv. p. 57. ■*9 This satire is probably exaggerated. The Saturnalia of Macrobius and the Epistles of Jerom afford satisfactory proofs that Christian theology and classic literature were studiously cultivated by several Romans of both sexes and of the highest rank.
